Catmint [Nepeta cataria]

The perennial catmint is the original hardy tea and medicinal plant with a calming, slightly sedative and hypnotic effect when ingested. It produces edible flowers and health-promoting essential oils. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing in spring-summer, unsuitable for mixed cultivation, harvesting of flowers and leaves.

 Description 
Catmint is a perennial, hardy tea, medicinal plant and bee pasture native to southern Europe. The cat-loving plant is widespread in Eurasia and can be found in Europe at altitudes of up to 900 meters. Cats are crazy about this plant, especially in spring, which changes later in the year when the plant produces more essential oils. It develops characteristic small edible blue flowers that attract insects. It exudes a pleasant minty citrus scent that keeps mosquitoes away and has a mild taste. All parts of the plant can be used as a slightly calming tea and mixes well with other herbs. The tea has a slightly sedative and hypnotic effect. The culture is uncomplicated and thrives in almost all soils.

 General information 
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 120 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -15°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, sandy and stony loam soil

pH value: 6 to 8

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-20 °C
Germination time: 7-28 days
Plant and row spacing: 35x40 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: -
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from February to July is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from April to May is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Catmint prefers a permeable, moderately nutrient-rich, calcareous, rather dry, sandy and stony loamy soil. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Cutting back the first flower directly causes the plant to flower twice in the same year. Protect the plants from cats when they are young, as they can affect the growth of the small plants, but they usually recover from this. Another option is to sow in large pots. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water retention capacity, it is recommended to also work in biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or cuttings.

 Plant care 
During long dry periods, it is advisable to give the plants additional water. Because the plants initially grow slowly, regular weeding of surrounding herbs is important to give the plants the space and light they need. Fertilizer is only necessary when growing in containers.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Nepeta cataria
English names: Catmint, Catnip
German names: Echte Katzenminze, Katzenkraut, Katzenmelisse, Steinmelisse
Portuguese names: Menta de gato
Spanish names: Hierba gatera, Hierba gatuna
French names: Herbe à chat, Cataire

 Origin 
Country: Portugal